Cefotan Side Effects

Note: This page contains information about the side effects of cefotetan. Some of the dosage forms included on this document may not apply to the brand name Cefotan.

Not all side effects for Cefotan may be reported. You should always consult a doctor or healthcare professional for medical advice. Side effects can be reported to the FDA here.

For the Consumer

Applies to cefotetan: injection powder for solution

In addition to its needed effects, some unwanted effects may be caused by cefotetan (the active ingredient contained in Cefotan). In the event that any of these side effects do occur, they may require medical attention.

If any of the following side effects occur while taking cefotetan, check with your doctor or nurse immediately:

Less common

Abdominal or stomach cramps or tenderness

back, leg, or stomach pains

black, tarry stools

bleeding gums

bloating

chest pain

chills

cough

dark urine

diarrhea

diarrhea, watery and severe, which may also be bloody

difficulty with breathing

fever

general body swelling

headache

increased thirst

loss of appetite

nausea or vomiting

nosebleeds

pain

painful or difficult urination

pale skin

shortness of breath

sore throat

sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth

swollen glands

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

unusual weight loss

yellowing of the eyes or skin

Rare

Blood in the urine

bluish color

change in frequency of urination or amount of urine

changes in skin color

drowsiness

increased thirst

swelling of the feet or lower legs

tenderness

weakness

Incidence not known

Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin

cough or hoarseness

coughing up blood

difficulty with swallowing

dizziness

fast heartbeat

fever with or without chills

general feeling of tiredness or weakness

high fever

increased menstrual flow or vaginal bleeding

itching

itching of the vagina or genital area

joint or muscle pain

lower back or side pain

nosebleeds

pain during sexual intercourse

paralysis

pinpoint red spots on the skin

prolonged bleeding from cuts

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

rash

red or black, tarry stools

red or dark brown urine

red skin lesions, often with a purple center

red, irritated eyes

seizures

skin rash

sudden decrease in the amount of urine

swollen or painful glands

thick, white vaginal discharge with no odor or with a mild odor

tightness in the chest

unpleasant breath odor

vomiting of blood

wheezing

For Healthcare Professionals

Hematologic

Cefotetan contains a methylthiotetrazole side chain. Moxalactam, another broad spectrum cephalosporin, also has this side chain and is commonly associated with bleeding problems. This side chain is thought to be the moiety responsible for the development of hypoprothrombinemia in patients receiving these cephalosporins. Administration of parenteral vitamin K has been shown to reverse the coagulation abnormalities.

Rare cases of hemolytic anemia, sometimes fatal, are associated with cefotetan (the active ingredient contained in Cefotan) In some cases, antibodies that react with red blood cells that have been exposed to cefotetan have been identified.[Ref]

Hematologic side effects have been reported in 1.4% of patients and include eosinophilia (0.5%), positive direct Coombs' test (0.4%), thrombocytosis (0.3%), agranulocytosis, hemolytic anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and increased prothrombin time with or without bleeding. Cephalosporin-class antibiotics have been associated with aplastic anemia, hemorrhage, pancytopenia, and neutropenia.[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported in 1.2% of patients and include rash (0.7%), pruritus (0.14%), anaphylactic reactions, and urticaria. Cephalosporin-class antibiotics have been associated with pruritus, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme, and toxic epidermal necrolysis.[Ref]

There may be cross-reactivity in penicillin allergic patients. Anaphylaxis is rare with cefotetan, although three cases are reported in female patients with no known drug allergies and no known prior exposure to cefotetan.

A case of occupational contact dermatitis due to cephalosporin allergy has been reported in a nurse who prepared cephalosporin solutions for administration to patients. The dermatitis resolved after the nurse stopped preparing the solutions.[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have been reported in 1.5% of patients and have included diarrhea (1.25%), nausea (0.14%), pseudomembranous colitis, and hiccups. Cephalosporin-class antibiotics have been associated with vomiting, abdominal pain, and colitis.[Ref]

Diarrhea seems to be the most common gastrointestinal side effect, although it is usually mild, self-limited, and rarely requires discontinuation of therapy. If diarrhea is persistent, testing for Clostridium difficile colitis and discontinuation of therapy is recommended. Pseudomembranous colitis may occur during or after discontinuation of therapy.[Ref]

Local

Pain with intramuscular injection is common, but may be minimized by administering cefotetan (the active ingredient contained in Cefotan) with lidocaine as a diluent. Injection pain usually resolves over several minutes to one hour.[Ref]

Local side effects have been reported in less than 1% of patients and include phlebitis with intravenous administration (0.3%) and discomfort (0.2%). Local pain frequently occurs with intramuscular injections.[Ref]

Renal

Renal side effects have included increases in serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and rarely nephrotoxicity. Cephalosporin-class antibiotics have been associated with toxic nephropathy and renal dysfunction.[Ref]

Although mild changes may occur in serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and liver function tests, these are usually transient and do not require discontinuation of therapy. No increases in urinary excretion of alanine aminopeptidase (AAP) or N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), enzymes indicative of renal tubular damage, were noted in one study. However, at least one case of acute interstitial nephritis is associated with cefotetan. The authors believed this was due to cefotetan, but could not rule out nephrotoxicity due to concomitantly administered piperacillin.[Ref]

Hepatic

Hepatic side effects have occurred in 1.2% of patients and include increases in ALT (SGPT) (0.7%), AST (SGOT) (0.3%), alkaline phosphatase (0.14%), and LDH (0.14%). Cephalosporin-class antibiotics have been associated with hepatic dysfunction including cholestasis and elevated bilirubin.[Ref]

Other

Other side effects have rarely included fever. Cephalosporin-class antibiotics have been associated with superinfection.[Ref]

Genitourinary

Genitourinary side effects associated with cephalosporin-class antibiotics have included vaginitis and vaginal candidiasis.[Ref]

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects associated with some cephalosporin-class antibiotics have included seizures, especially in patients with renal dysfunction.[Ref]

Professional resources

Related treatment guides

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